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Ravenfall #1
Ravenfall
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2022)One magical inn, two kids with supernatural powers, and an ancient Celtic creature trying to destroy their world by Halloween night...
Halloweentown meets Supernatural in this spooky middle-grade series from the acclaimed author of the Storm Crow duology!
Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay has never been normal, even by her psychic family’s standards. Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.
So when fourteen-year-old Colin Pierce arrives at Ravenfall searching for his missing older brother and the supernatural creature who killed their parents, Anna jumps at the chance to help. But the mysteries tied to Colin go much deeper than either of them expects. . . .
As the two team up to find answers, they unearth Colin’s family’s secret past and discover that Colin has powers beyond his imagination. And now the supernatural creature, one with eerie origins in Celtic mythology, is coming after him. If Anna and Colin can’t stop the creature by Halloween night, the veil to the Otherworld could be ripped open—which would spell destruction for their world as they know it.
Halloweentown meets Supernatural in this spooky middle-grade series from the acclaimed author of the Storm Crow duology!
Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay has never been normal, even by her psychic family’s standards. Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.
So when fourteen-year-old Colin Pierce arrives at Ravenfall searching for his missing older brother and the supernatural creature who killed their parents, Anna jumps at the chance to help. But the mysteries tied to Colin go much deeper than either of them expects. . . .
As the two team up to find answers, they unearth Colin’s family’s secret past and discover that Colin has powers beyond his imagination. And now the supernatural creature, one with eerie origins in Celtic mythology, is coming after him. If Anna and Colin can’t stop the creature by Halloween night, the veil to the Otherworld could be ripped open—which would spell destruction for their world as they know it.
239 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2022
233 people are currently reading
18174 people want to read
About the author
Kalyn Josephson
10 books910 followersKalyn Josephson is the NYT bestselling author of THE STORM CROW duology, RAVENFALL series, and upcoming THIS DARK DESCENT. By day, she's a Technical Writer, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. She lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 538 reviews
October 4, 2024
When I touch someone who’s seen death, I get a vision of it through their eyes. And asking people, Hey, remember that time that person died? is not a fun party trick.
this was a super cute middle grade halloween read! halloweentown meets supernatural meets encanto with irish/celtic folklore (a touch of jewish folklore as well that's to be explored more in book 2!).
anna lives in the magical b&b ravenfall with the rest of her family. she struggles to find her place as a psychometrist - someone who sees visions of death.
colin has been on the run with his family for months up until the night his parents were murdered. now separated from his brother, he arrives at ravenfall for his first time. with anna's help, he looks for his brother and his parents' murderer.
“And you know what they say: what doesn’t kill you—”
“Usually tries again.”
this was a fast read, esp since the pacing always stayed consistent. i loved the whimsical feel of a magical town where paranormal creatures and humans both lived (though the humans were unaware!). it definitely hits on the nostalgia of halloweentown watchers like me and there were so many details that really helped make the town feel so special and unique even for a fantasy.
I wonder if holding everything in ever really made me strong, or if it just made me hurt all the more.
it was also cool to see a bit of the irish folklore utilized. there was a bit of action for a middle grade, so it's probably an upper level middle grade, but it never gets too heavy. it also gets a touch emotional and i found it very heartfelt and heartwarming. the overall message of family, love, and togetherness made for a very sweet spooky season read. i thought it was nice to see a male main character have emotional, vulnerable moments that wasn't just anger or fighting. i think it's good to see cathartic crying as a release, esp for younger readers.
there was some great rep as well - anna appears to be aro/ace, and there was a m/m and f/f side couple.
i'm definitely picking up the next book - it takes place around hanukkah and dives more into anna's jewish heritage and the magic it gives her!
“To the long and recently dead,” she says.
I grin. “May they stay that way for the days to come.”
this was a super cute middle grade halloween read! halloweentown meets supernatural meets encanto with irish/celtic folklore (a touch of jewish folklore as well that's to be explored more in book 2!).
anna lives in the magical b&b ravenfall with the rest of her family. she struggles to find her place as a psychometrist - someone who sees visions of death.
colin has been on the run with his family for months up until the night his parents were murdered. now separated from his brother, he arrives at ravenfall for his first time. with anna's help, he looks for his brother and his parents' murderer.
“And you know what they say: what doesn’t kill you—”
“Usually tries again.”
this was a fast read, esp since the pacing always stayed consistent. i loved the whimsical feel of a magical town where paranormal creatures and humans both lived (though the humans were unaware!). it definitely hits on the nostalgia of halloweentown watchers like me and there were so many details that really helped make the town feel so special and unique even for a fantasy.
I wonder if holding everything in ever really made me strong, or if it just made me hurt all the more.
it was also cool to see a bit of the irish folklore utilized. there was a bit of action for a middle grade, so it's probably an upper level middle grade, but it never gets too heavy. it also gets a touch emotional and i found it very heartfelt and heartwarming. the overall message of family, love, and togetherness made for a very sweet spooky season read. i thought it was nice to see a male main character have emotional, vulnerable moments that wasn't just anger or fighting. i think it's good to see cathartic crying as a release, esp for younger readers.
there was some great rep as well - anna appears to be aro/ace, and there was a m/m and f/f side couple.
i'm definitely picking up the next book - it takes place around hanukkah and dives more into anna's jewish heritage and the magic it gives her!
“To the long and recently dead,” she says.
I grin. “May they stay that way for the days to come.”
September 1, 2022
Before reading Ravenfall, I was already looking forward to the spooky season, but now that I’ve finished it, I truly cannot wait for the air to turn crisp, the leaves to become orange, and for all the delicious and warm smells to permeate the air. This book is the perfect story to add to your fall TBRs. It will have you longing for cool days, huddled under a blanket with a warm drink in hand.
The world of Ravenfall was so fascinating to read about. The world is full of magic and magical beings, but most humans are either oblivious to it, or willfully turn a blind eye to the knowledge. Because of this, Ravenfall becomes a sort of haven for magical beings to co-exist with humans. The town of Wick is so cozy, but even so, there’s mystery and darkness looming in the distance, which the main characters, Anna and Colin, must work together to solve.
Anna, being one of the only psychics in her family who is unable to use her power to help out around the inn, feels isolated from the rest of her family, and as if her gift is useless. This causes a lot of self-doubt and hesitation that she has to work through during the course of the novel. She’s so determined to prove herself that she’ll do anything to show her family she’s useful. Anna’s development was really well thought out and progressed seamlessly. Watching her come into her own was so much fun.
Colin, the other main character, was also super interesting to read about. Him and his family had been on the run for a while, but he wasn’t really sure why. All he knew was that his parents were in trouble, and when that danger caught up to them and took their lives, he was determined to do whatever he could to stop their killer. Because he was always on the move, Colin longed for a place to call his own, which is why Ravenfall was the perfect place for him to settle down and actually discover who he is.
Since both Anna’s and Colin’s goals aligned, they agreed to work with each other early on. Their friendship was rocky at times, as they both learned to ask for help instead of trying to do everything on their own. By the end of the book, their bond was even stronger because of all they went through together. Something I really enjoyed about their friendship was how much they accepted each other and their flaws. Anna is super socially awkward and anxious, but Colin never made her feel less than because of it. They were always there for each other, and I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures they go on in the next book.
Aside from those two, the book is rich with a unique and eclectic cast of characters. Every person in Ravenfall added another layer of magic and intrigue, and even though they were helping Anna and Colin in their journeys, they also had their own thoughts, desires, and storylines. My favorite of these was definitely the Jabberwocky cat, Max. He was such a loveable and protective animal companion who would do anything for his loved ones. He had such a personality, too! All of his scenes were a joy to read.
Additionally, the inn itself was its own character. I find stories with sentient buildings to be so entertaining! This one was reminiscent of the hotel in Nevermoor (one of my favorites), as the inn provided comfort and assistance to its occupants when needed, but was also quick to exhibit its displeasure if it was offended by anything. Ravenfall Inn was so whimsical, and really added to the enchanted and cozy feeling of the story.
Another fantastic part was the vivid descriptions of all of the foods and decorations! These were all done so well and had me craving the spooky season like nothing else. If you’re looking for a charming story to curl up with during the coming fall days, I highly recommend Ravenfall!
I had so much fun reading this book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, TBR and Beyond Tours, and the Publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The world of Ravenfall was so fascinating to read about. The world is full of magic and magical beings, but most humans are either oblivious to it, or willfully turn a blind eye to the knowledge. Because of this, Ravenfall becomes a sort of haven for magical beings to co-exist with humans. The town of Wick is so cozy, but even so, there’s mystery and darkness looming in the distance, which the main characters, Anna and Colin, must work together to solve.
Anna, being one of the only psychics in her family who is unable to use her power to help out around the inn, feels isolated from the rest of her family, and as if her gift is useless. This causes a lot of self-doubt and hesitation that she has to work through during the course of the novel. She’s so determined to prove herself that she’ll do anything to show her family she’s useful. Anna’s development was really well thought out and progressed seamlessly. Watching her come into her own was so much fun.
Colin, the other main character, was also super interesting to read about. Him and his family had been on the run for a while, but he wasn’t really sure why. All he knew was that his parents were in trouble, and when that danger caught up to them and took their lives, he was determined to do whatever he could to stop their killer. Because he was always on the move, Colin longed for a place to call his own, which is why Ravenfall was the perfect place for him to settle down and actually discover who he is.
Since both Anna’s and Colin’s goals aligned, they agreed to work with each other early on. Their friendship was rocky at times, as they both learned to ask for help instead of trying to do everything on their own. By the end of the book, their bond was even stronger because of all they went through together. Something I really enjoyed about their friendship was how much they accepted each other and their flaws. Anna is super socially awkward and anxious, but Colin never made her feel less than because of it. They were always there for each other, and I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures they go on in the next book.
Aside from those two, the book is rich with a unique and eclectic cast of characters. Every person in Ravenfall added another layer of magic and intrigue, and even though they were helping Anna and Colin in their journeys, they also had their own thoughts, desires, and storylines. My favorite of these was definitely the Jabberwocky cat, Max. He was such a loveable and protective animal companion who would do anything for his loved ones. He had such a personality, too! All of his scenes were a joy to read.
Additionally, the inn itself was its own character. I find stories with sentient buildings to be so entertaining! This one was reminiscent of the hotel in Nevermoor (one of my favorites), as the inn provided comfort and assistance to its occupants when needed, but was also quick to exhibit its displeasure if it was offended by anything. Ravenfall Inn was so whimsical, and really added to the enchanted and cozy feeling of the story.
Another fantastic part was the vivid descriptions of all of the foods and decorations! These were all done so well and had me craving the spooky season like nothing else. If you’re looking for a charming story to curl up with during the coming fall days, I highly recommend Ravenfall!
I had so much fun reading this book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, TBR and Beyond Tours, and the Publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 12, 2022
This book is magical. Its late-August release date is excellent timing, because this needs to be on everyone's autumn TBRs. It's the perfect combination of spooky and cozy, and is best enjoyed under a fuzzy blanket with some apple cider while there's a thunderstorm outside. From Anna's family to the Ravenfall Inn, everything about this book draws the reader into a world just a bit stranger than our own. And I'm so excited that it's going to be a series! There's definitely plenty more to explore in this world - personally, I'm hoping for more about Anna's dad. (And more Max, obviously.)
CW: parent deaths (murder), missing person, injuries, animal death
I recieved an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: parent deaths (murder), missing person, injuries, animal death
I recieved an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2023
This book was SO much fun! It's a fabulous combination of coziness (so much delicious food and delightful magic!) and spookiness (it actually gets surprisingly dark for an MG at times - this is definitely an older MG book) and I raced through it all, having a wonderful time along the way. Set in a sentient magical inn (Ravenfall) around Halloween, it stars Anna (the youngest daughter of the innkeeper, who feels her own magical powers aren't as impressive as her siblings' powers) and Colin, who comes to Ravenfall as a refuge against the magical threat that just murdered his parents and ends up teaming up with Anna to figure it all out. I loved all the different magical wonders and details in Ravenfall itself, and I really loved all of the many characters involved in the bustling, busy family that maintains the magical inn. Colin discovers his own magic in his time there while Anna learns to trust her own, and I enjoyed every moment.
(Oh, and there's no hint of romance between them - Anna is ace, and the deep platonic friendship they develop is beautiful.)
There were a couple of tiny, surface-level hiccups for me (spots where I wanted just a little more clarity on why one character wasn't sharing info with others, etc), but none of them took away my intense enjoyment of the story and my love for the characters. I CANNOT WAIT for Book 2 to arrive this October! This book focused on the Celtic magic that Anna inherited from her Irish mother's side of the family; the next book apparently dives into the magic she inherited from her Jewish father's side of the family, and I can't wait to see that too. What a perfect, Halloween-y series of books to enjoy.
(Oh, and there's no hint of romance between them - Anna is ace, and the deep platonic friendship they develop is beautiful.)
There were a couple of tiny, surface-level hiccups for me (spots where I wanted just a little more clarity on why one character wasn't sharing info with others, etc), but none of them took away my intense enjoyment of the story and my love for the characters. I CANNOT WAIT for Book 2 to arrive this October! This book focused on the Celtic magic that Anna inherited from her Irish mother's side of the family; the next book apparently dives into the magic she inherited from her Jewish father's side of the family, and I can't wait to see that too. What a perfect, Halloween-y series of books to enjoy.
July 20, 2023
The 2 stars is purely for the autumnal and cozy vibes that this book has throughout. The actual plot was really lacking for me. There was so much ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’; the first 50% of the book was characters just explaining certain parts of the magical world. Also, the world was quite complex and certain things weren’t touched upon enough. A lot of the magical elements, such as the shops, were mentioned and then never explored further. Therefore, the story felt rushed and I think that it lacked depth. I didn’t find the characters to be interesting either (maybe the result of the short alternate perspective chapters?). Therefore, I think this has such potential because the autumnal vibes were amazing, but the actual story was really lacking. I would recommend this to anyone who wants an autumnal and cozy read.
November 29, 2023
#1) Hollowthorn ★★★★☆
The House with Chicken Legs meets Supernatural! An instant favourite
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Anna (mc) is Irish-American, Jewish & aroace; m/m & f/f side couple.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
October 2, 2023
The Encanto + Halloweentown descriptor is spot on with this one! It’s truly excellent spooky season MG (my fave!). Loved the Irish lore and supernatural stakes, and the cozy food descriptions and magical inn were the cherry on top. I’m THRILLED that book two is out this year, and it’s set around Hanukkah! Will be reading on in this series for sure.
September 8, 2022
What a perfect book to kick off fall! (Yes, it's technically not fall, but it IS September and that's close enough for me.) I'm also a fan of urban fantasy, where magical beings live among everyone else in a sort of secret society. Anna lives in a magical town and her family runs a haunted inn that attracts both tourists and other magical folk for their celebrations. Meanwhile, Colin's family is hiding a big secret from him and after his parents die, he winds up at the inn to find help.
I thought this was fast paced, exciting, and a lot of fun to read. I liked the alternating points of view and watching both kids learn about their abilities and gain confidence in themselves. It had a sort of found family aspect, especially for Colin who didn't want to be lonely anymore. Happily, he found people who understand and cared for him at the inn.
I'm definitely excited for the sequel and hope we get to see more monsters and magic!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the copy
I thought this was fast paced, exciting, and a lot of fun to read. I liked the alternating points of view and watching both kids learn about their abilities and gain confidence in themselves. It had a sort of found family aspect, especially for Colin who didn't want to be lonely anymore. Happily, he found people who understand and cared for him at the inn.
I'm definitely excited for the sequel and hope we get to see more monsters and magic!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the copy
August 6, 2022
If Encanto embodies the color and brightness of spring and summer, then Ravenfall is the autumn-winter, Celtic-based cousin. A family full of special abilities, a magical sentient house, family drama, mythology and mystery—this book has it all!
The best part of this book other than the characters is definitely the aesthetic. This book breathes the autumn, Halloween vibe and has such cozy magic alongside the dark danger of monsters and myths. There are so many little details woven into the world and setting that just make this book thrive.
I adore Annabella and her boisterous family of psychics. Each ability is so unique and fun and is important to the plotline in some manner. I love Max the Jabberwocky cat and the enchanted house that seems to move and breathe and think all on its own. This book is just so fun.
Colin is also a great protagonist and I love that Kalyn doesn’t shy away from darker themes in her middle grade story. The monsters and magic are so cool and I love how they’re based on Celtic mythology. It’s fantastic how everything plays out and comes together for that ending.
I’m excited to see what Kalyn does next with these characters and world because it definitely could use a sequel.
~Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.~
The best part of this book other than the characters is definitely the aesthetic. This book breathes the autumn, Halloween vibe and has such cozy magic alongside the dark danger of monsters and myths. There are so many little details woven into the world and setting that just make this book thrive.
I adore Annabella and her boisterous family of psychics. Each ability is so unique and fun and is important to the plotline in some manner. I love Max the Jabberwocky cat and the enchanted house that seems to move and breathe and think all on its own. This book is just so fun.
Colin is also a great protagonist and I love that Kalyn doesn’t shy away from darker themes in her middle grade story. The monsters and magic are so cool and I love how they’re based on Celtic mythology. It’s fantastic how everything plays out and comes together for that ending.
I’m excited to see what Kalyn does next with these characters and world because it definitely could use a sequel.
~Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.~
October 2, 2022
'Life isn't all joy and flight; it's also raw aches and pains. It's loving someone so much it makes it
hard to breathe, and then letting them go.'
Ravenfall is a middle grade story that has Encanto and Supernatural (two brothers, family of hunters) vibes; the house – Ravenfall Inn, a connection between the human world and the Otherworld – is sentient, and likes to wear hats. The main characters are Anna, whose family of psychics owns the magical inn situated in a magical small town, and Colin, a boy who just lost his parents. The two of them form a connection and team up against a great evil, revealing mysteries about Colin's heritage and his magical powers. The veil between the human world and the Otherworld is in danger.
This was such a magical, cute, funny, sad and spooky story. I liked it a lot, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Anna and Colin both are loveable characters. The young teenagers have both been feeling lonely – Anna because of her ability to see death when touching someone, and Colin because of his family being on the run – they are longing for friendship, which they find in each other; so cute!! I also loved the Irish/Celtic mythology, and other supernatural elements, that were of great importance in the book; it added to the spookiness. There are slower parts because they do lots of research, but it was very interesting to read and helped with understanding Colin's past and the mythological connections. The different attacks, and the ending, were so well-written and full of tension; I couldn't stop reading and had to read the rest of the book in one sitting. Most of my favourite parts included a "cat" named Max. He lives at Ravenfall Inn, he's intelligent, funny, responsible for changing the house's hats, and there is more to him than one would expect...
If you're still looking for a book to add to your spooky/witchy TBRs, check out Ravenfall. It has all it takes to be a great Halloween read! BOO!
hard to breathe, and then letting them go.'
Ravenfall is a middle grade story that has Encanto and Supernatural (two brothers, family of hunters) vibes; the house – Ravenfall Inn, a connection between the human world and the Otherworld – is sentient, and likes to wear hats. The main characters are Anna, whose family of psychics owns the magical inn situated in a magical small town, and Colin, a boy who just lost his parents. The two of them form a connection and team up against a great evil, revealing mysteries about Colin's heritage and his magical powers. The veil between the human world and the Otherworld is in danger.
This was such a magical, cute, funny, sad and spooky story. I liked it a lot, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Anna and Colin both are loveable characters. The young teenagers have both been feeling lonely – Anna because of her ability to see death when touching someone, and Colin because of his family being on the run – they are longing for friendship, which they find in each other; so cute!! I also loved the Irish/Celtic mythology, and other supernatural elements, that were of great importance in the book; it added to the spookiness. There are slower parts because they do lots of research, but it was very interesting to read and helped with understanding Colin's past and the mythological connections. The different attacks, and the ending, were so well-written and full of tension; I couldn't stop reading and had to read the rest of the book in one sitting. Most of my favourite parts included a "cat" named Max. He lives at Ravenfall Inn, he's intelligent, funny, responsible for changing the house's hats, and there is more to him than one would expect...
If you're still looking for a book to add to your spooky/witchy TBRs, check out Ravenfall. It has all it takes to be a great Halloween read! BOO!
February 12, 2024
I thought I was going to rate this more highly, but it did disappoint me towards the end.
I enjoyed the concept of the sentient house, the storyline heavily influenced by Celtic mythology and the nods to the TV show Supernatural. I would have loved more of the latter. I liked Anna's family, filled to the brim with quirky characters. Heck, the whole story is full of quirky characters. It was genuinely thrilling in some parts. I was just hugely disappointed in some of the choices made by Anna. I understand her insecurities, but I feel like that sort of took over the whole storyline. I would have preferred a deeper dive into Colin's internal monologue than hers. I didn't find her as interesting. However, I am happy that she did experience some character growth over the story. I loved Max, their "cat" and everything that goes along with what he is. At this point, I'm thinking I just wanted to read a story about two brothers fighting supernatural creatures more than I wanted to read this story. With that said, the house was great and the worldbuilding as well. The villain was really intimidating (and had some real big bad energy). The fall vibes were immaculate, so I'd definitely recommend picking this up if you want a nicely spooky fall-set MG book.
With all that said, it was overall a decent read. Yeah, I'd read more of these books, but it's not top tier for me at this point.
I enjoyed the concept of the sentient house, the storyline heavily influenced by Celtic mythology and the nods to the TV show Supernatural. I would have loved more of the latter. I liked Anna's family, filled to the brim with quirky characters. Heck, the whole story is full of quirky characters. It was genuinely thrilling in some parts. I was just hugely disappointed in some of the choices made by Anna. I understand her insecurities, but I feel like that sort of took over the whole storyline. I would have preferred a deeper dive into Colin's internal monologue than hers. I didn't find her as interesting. However, I am happy that she did experience some character growth over the story. I loved Max, their "cat" and everything that goes along with what he is. At this point, I'm thinking I just wanted to read a story about two brothers fighting supernatural creatures more than I wanted to read this story. With that said, the house was great and the worldbuilding as well. The villain was really intimidating (and had some real big bad energy). The fall vibes were immaculate, so I'd definitely recommend picking this up if you want a nicely spooky fall-set MG book.
With all that said, it was overall a decent read. Yeah, I'd read more of these books, but it's not top tier for me at this point.
September 24, 2022
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! It was such a fun read. I loved how atmospheric it was, with the spookiness added in, and it's a perfect book for the fall season. I also really enjoyed the dual POV, and I thought both Anna and Colin had such unique voices and were both very likable and real characters, and it made for such an enjoyable read. I also really liked that Colin knew nothing about this world of magic, so we got to learn about it too through him, but not in a way that felt forced or just info dumping. Overall, a very good read, and I definitely recommend this to anyone who reads middle grade!
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc to review.
I really enjoyed this book! It was such a fun read. I loved how atmospheric it was, with the spookiness added in, and it's a perfect book for the fall season. I also really enjoyed the dual POV, and I thought both Anna and Colin had such unique voices and were both very likable and real characters, and it made for such an enjoyable read. I also really liked that Colin knew nothing about this world of magic, so we got to learn about it too through him, but not in a way that felt forced or just info dumping. Overall, a very good read, and I definitely recommend this to anyone who reads middle grade!
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc to review.
March 5, 2023
"Harry Potter" meets "Supernatural" fan fiction complete with a magic house, meeting parents in a not-so-after-afterlife, a 1967 muscle car, and monster-hunting; and none of the emotions either of those franchises evoked.
September 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Captivating Start to a Magical Adventure – Perfect for Fall Reading!
"Ravenfall" by Kalyn Josephson is an enchanting start to a series that I cannot wait to dive into this fall. The book is an expertly woven tapestry of mystery, magic, and family secrets, all set in a delightfully atmospheric world that perfectly captures the cozy, yet eerie, vibe of autumn.
From the moment I stepped into the Ravenfall Inn, I was hooked. The protagonist's journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns, kept me on the edge of my seat. The blend of Celtic mythology with contemporary elements adds a unique flavor to the narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own intriguing backstory that leaves you wanting more. The dynamics between them are authentic and engaging, adding depth to the already compelling plot.
Josephson's writing is vivid and immersive, painting a world that is both haunting and beautiful. It's the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea, savoring every page as the leaves begin to fall outside.
Whether you're a fan of fantasy, mystery, or simply looking for a captivating read to welcome the autumn season, "Ravenfall" is a must-read. It's a magical journey that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I can't wait to see where the story takes us next!
A Captivating Start to a Magical Adventure – Perfect for Fall Reading!
"Ravenfall" by Kalyn Josephson is an enchanting start to a series that I cannot wait to dive into this fall. The book is an expertly woven tapestry of mystery, magic, and family secrets, all set in a delightfully atmospheric world that perfectly captures the cozy, yet eerie, vibe of autumn.
From the moment I stepped into the Ravenfall Inn, I was hooked. The protagonist's journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns, kept me on the edge of my seat. The blend of Celtic mythology with contemporary elements adds a unique flavor to the narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own intriguing backstory that leaves you wanting more. The dynamics between them are authentic and engaging, adding depth to the already compelling plot.
Josephson's writing is vivid and immersive, painting a world that is both haunting and beautiful. It's the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea, savoring every page as the leaves begin to fall outside.
Whether you're a fan of fantasy, mystery, or simply looking for a captivating read to welcome the autumn season, "Ravenfall" is a must-read. It's a magical journey that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I can't wait to see where the story takes us next!
February 14, 2024
A decent but unremarkable kids fantasy.
The premise for this was fine if not terribly unusual, and the story moves well enough, though it never really gets where it needs to in order to truly be a success.
My kids were bored with this one, and though I liked it better than they did, I found it really predictable and pretty banal in terms of plot and magical system.
The characters were fine if stereotypical for the genre, but I love the fantasy trope where the house itself is a character, and though that’s not truly critical to the plot here, it’s well-rendered and the most clever and endearing part of the book.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The premise for this was fine if not terribly unusual, and the story moves well enough, though it never really gets where it needs to in order to truly be a success.
My kids were bored with this one, and though I liked it better than they did, I found it really predictable and pretty banal in terms of plot and magical system.
The characters were fine if stereotypical for the genre, but I love the fantasy trope where the house itself is a character, and though that’s not truly critical to the plot here, it’s well-rendered and the most clever and endearing part of the book.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 22, 2022
“Anna folds her arms. "It's my payment for making sure the house doesn't throw out all your stuff." The house groans, as if announcing that it'd love to do just that.”
Thank you to Delacorte, TBR and Beyond Tour, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital Arc in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from the Arc and therefore subject to changes.
💗 Review on my Blog 💗
Meet Anna: resident psychometric 🔮 Her family - the Ballinkays - runs the Ravenfall Inn, a meeting point for all sorts of magical people and normals alike. Everyone in her family has a unique power that manifests when they are younger and Anna's just happens to completely suck. While her two sisters and mother can use their powers to contribute to the Inn, her ability to touch people and see death they have experienced is mildly creepy. She loves the house and wishes to use her magic for good, but Anna is laden with chores as no one seems to take her seriously. I really felt her hurt and anger at being left out and useless while everyone else seems at ease with who they were. I loved her humor and bond with the Ravenfall Inn, you can tell how much it means to her, despite her frustrations!
Meet Colin: a lost boy 💔 Colin's parents were just murdered by a mysterious man and Ravenfall Inn is the place they considered a last resort should things go wrong. Colin has been moving around his entire life without knowing why and now he's lost contact with his brother as well. He comes to Ravenfall with his own questions and hopes to find out what his parents were hiding. His grief and anger were really well-written. Colin feels left behind by everyone, especially as he discovers secrets and everything that has been kept from him his entire life.
I loved Colin and Anna's friendship 🥰 The book is dual POV, so you get to see Colin and Anna's struggles and how both of them mirrored each other. They are both feeling left out by their families and alone without knowing who they truly are. Anna immediately offers to help Colin when he appears at the Inn and goes with him to uncover his parents' murder. She doesn't always know how best to comfort him but tries to make him feel at home a the Inn since Colin has constantly been on the move. Their friendship was sweet and supportive, even though it had its ups and downs as well.
Generally, the world was so immersive and atmospheric 🍂 This will be the perfect autumn read since it's set around the time of Samhain and features lots of descriptions of mouth-watering food and gorgeous decorations. The Inn has a cozy feel to it and I LOVE the 'magical house' trope where the house is sentient and alive! There is also so much magic, paranormal creatures, and a small town called Wick that is hard to find but has most humans and magical beings coexist. The Supernatural and Halloweentown comparisons are definitely justified! We have a fun, sometimes dark adventure as Anna and Colin race to stop the entity that killed his parents as they threaten to unravel magic.
The secondary cast was also great!! The author really managed to bring Anna's family to life and give us an insight into each character. I especially loved Uncle Roy, a pyrokinetic who used to get into all kinds of trouble and still has a mischievous and fun side to him. Then there's Gran, Anna's mother Nora, and Elaine, each powerful psychics in their own right. Anna also has two sisters called Rose and Kara who sometimes annoy her but would do anything for her. The highlight was Max, a Jabberwocky appearing in the form of a cat. He is a protector of the house and loves Anna and Colin. I like when books have animal companions!
But in the town of Wick, Oregon, where magic is never far from your fingertips, Halloween is the biggest holiday of the year, and Ravenfall is the place to be.
IN CONCLUSION. ➽ Ravenfall is a fantastic spooky, atmospheric Middle Grade story with a lot of heart. You cannot help but love Anna, Colin, Max, and Ravenfall Inn ❤️ There is a great mix of adventure, heartfelt, but messy family relationships, and strong friendships!
INFORMATION
➽ CW's: Murder, Loss of a Loved One & Grief, Violence, Possession
➽ Representation 🌷 Jewish MC
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September 2, 2025
OMG!!!!!!!!!! This Is my new favorite book!!
Ok so at the beginning it was a little hard to understand but when I was reading more 🫢, I just couldn’t stop reading!
So I like Anna’s physic power, even though she couldn’t really use it (till the end), it’s still really cool 😎.
But Colin 🙃. HE. IS .ABSOLUTELY. MY. FAVORITE. CHARACTER!!!
I think for me it’s that he’s personality is perfect 👌. (And I think I found my new book crush 🤫)
But this book made me cry 😭 at the end, with this family goodbye-see-you-in-the-afterlife situation?
TEARS 🥹.
Love the story line, characters,and setting with magic. This book made me want to get cozy with some hot chocolate in front of a fire and the smell of pumpkin spice filling the air 😮💨.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
I rate this book 100 out of 100 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😄⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok so at the beginning it was a little hard to understand but when I was reading more 🫢, I just couldn’t stop reading!
So I like Anna’s physic power, even though she couldn’t really use it (till the end), it’s still really cool 😎.
But Colin 🙃. HE. IS .ABSOLUTELY. MY. FAVORITE. CHARACTER!!!
I think for me it’s that he’s personality is perfect 👌. (And I think I found my new book crush 🤫)
But this book made me cry 😭 at the end, with this family goodbye-see-you-in-the-afterlife situation?
TEARS 🥹.
Love the story line, characters,and setting with magic. This book made me want to get cozy with some hot chocolate in front of a fire and the smell of pumpkin spice filling the air 😮💨.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
I rate this book 100 out of 100 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😄⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
eARC provided by NetGalley
In RAVENFALL, Anna Ballinkay— a thirteen-year-old psychic who's still getting a handle on her powers—must team up with Colin Pierce, a fugitive at her family's haunted inn, to solve a murder mystery (and possibly also save the entire universe; no spoilers). Colin has spent his whole life moving from place to place, sheltered from his family's secrets by his now-dead parents. Despite only recently having learned that magic is A Thing, he soon finds out that he has some magical powers of his own— and some shared history with his quirky Ballinkay hosts.
This book is the MG novel equivalent of a cozy knit sweater and a Great Pumpkin VHS tape. Seriously, it's going to be the PERFECT Halloween read for kids who love spooky, heartfelt mysteries. I read my advance copy in mid-March and found myself wishing I had a mug of apple cider and some falling leaves to complete the experience.
In RAVENFALL, Anna Ballinkay— a thirteen-year-old psychic who's still getting a handle on her powers—must team up with Colin Pierce, a fugitive at her family's haunted inn, to solve a murder mystery (and possibly also save the entire universe; no spoilers). Colin has spent his whole life moving from place to place, sheltered from his family's secrets by his now-dead parents. Despite only recently having learned that magic is A Thing, he soon finds out that he has some magical powers of his own— and some shared history with his quirky Ballinkay hosts.
This book is the MG novel equivalent of a cozy knit sweater and a Great Pumpkin VHS tape. Seriously, it's going to be the PERFECT Halloween read for kids who love spooky, heartfelt mysteries. I read my advance copy in mid-March and found myself wishing I had a mug of apple cider and some falling leaves to complete the experience.
October 13, 2023
THANK GODDDD THIS BOOK IS OVER
* The main character Anna was so annoying and yet had not a shred of personality
* Colin was the only one with an ounce of personality
* some of the lines were just so cheesy! Like Disney Channel cringe
* I had no emotions throughout the story except for parts I cringed at
* Everything just felt so surface, like there was no depth ever
* Horrified to hear that there are 2 more books in this series
* The main character Anna was so annoying and yet had not a shred of personality
* Colin was the only one with an ounce of personality
* some of the lines were just so cheesy! Like Disney Channel cringe
* I had no emotions throughout the story except for parts I cringed at
* Everything just felt so surface, like there was no depth ever
* Horrified to hear that there are 2 more books in this series
October 30, 2023
Quite an interesting middle grade novel immersed in Irish mythology, perfect for Halloween. My absolute favourite characters were Max and the house! 😊
October 31, 2023
The beginning and ending to this were so intriguing and really captured the atmosphere of late October in Oregon. I also loved the connections to Celtic Samhain. I would have loved to lean into that feeling throughout the book. Unfortunately, something about the writing style didn't quite work for me as the plot thickened and the action began. The chapters alternated between our two main characters, with each perspective written in the first person. This normally works fine for me, but in this case, I kept getting confused as to whose head I was supposed to be in - I guess I just felt like they weren't each given unique enough of a voice for me to really follow, and I never felt like I fell into the story. It's possible that I was just having one of those weeks where I'm in a mini-slump, but I think those feelings are still valid. I will say that Max was one of my favorite characters I've met in awhile!!
January 5, 2023
Super sweet and heartwarming
September 27, 2024
I've been in such a reading slump lately, and this is exactly what I needed. It was fast and fun, with an interesting magic system and adorable characters. I look forward to continuing the series!
December 21, 2022
Kind of confusing switching back and forth between characters.
December 15, 2023
I don’t find this book appropriate for middle grade students. In the first fifty pages, it is mentioned that the main character's sister has a girlfriend. And then it is mentioned that the sister and the girlfriend are going on a date. This is not necessary to the plot. Later in the book it is mentioned that a grown man has a husband. While society currently wants to label this as normal, it is not. And it should not be part of the books that kids pick up, clearly authors are trying to indoctrinate children in to this way of thinking, regardless of parents beliefs. I would not recommend this book for children.
December 27, 2023
I am not the intended audience for this book so it doesn't feel right to me to review this. However, I did not enjoy reading this book and this was because of couple of reasons:
1. The telling and not showing - everything was immediately explained to the new character.
2. The information dumping - The new information constantly interrupted the dialogue, messing up the flow.
3. Certain plotholes in the story
4. Small mistakes that should have been noticed during the editing phase.
5. The overuse of adjectives, metaphors and/or analogies.
6. ...
1. The telling and not showing - everything was immediately explained to the new character.
2. The information dumping - The new information constantly interrupted the dialogue, messing up the flow.
3. Certain plotholes in the story
4. Small mistakes that should have been noticed during the editing phase.
5. The overuse of adjectives, metaphors and/or analogies.
6. ...
June 8, 2023
Encanto meets supernatural.
I loved the beginning, but knew I was checked out of it when I put it down in the middle of a chase scene. It has a lot of good, but I just feel meh about the ending of it, especially Anna’s role (or lack there of) in the plot. I mean, Max plays a more important role than she does, yet we get her POV all the time. 🤦♀️
Now all I’m left with is a feeling of existential dread and no need to read the sequel.
I loved the beginning, but knew I was checked out of it when I put it down in the middle of a chase scene. It has a lot of good, but I just feel meh about the ending of it, especially Anna’s role (or lack there of) in the plot. I mean, Max plays a more important role than she does, yet we get her POV all the time. 🤦♀️
Now all I’m left with is a feeling of existential dread and no need to read the sequel.
August 14, 2022
A wonderfully bewitching tale of magic, grief, and the power of friendship. Josephson weaves a fantastical story you'll never want to leave, full of memorable characters, a heart-pounding mystery, and a sentient inn that will make you wish you could book a room of your own for next Samhain.
Can't wait for the next book in this world!
Can't wait for the next book in this world!
January 14, 2023
I don't remember where I first saw about this book, but I know that I saw that cover and immediately wanted it. And with good reason! The cover perfectly encapsulates the spooky-but-magical tone of the book without giving anything about the plot away. Plus, the cat on the cover actually features in the book, and is a wonderful side character!
The characters were wonderful, and the members of Anna's family all felt like family. They bicker and argue, and still have each other's back. I loved the depiction of family here. The Ballinkay family—for all that they have magic—feel very realistic. I also greatly appreciated the way they accepted Colin into their midst so easily. He needed the acceptance after losing his parents.
The house and atmosphere are also great—both almost characters in their own right. (Okay, the house really is a character. And it's wonderful!) I wish I had stuck to my plan of reading this in the fall leading up to Halloween; since it's set at Samhain, that would be the perfect time to read this book. I ended up reading it in the winter, though, and the darker, colder days still resonated well with the book's atmosphere.
I'd really recommend this book to anyone looking for an atmospheric, slightly spooky book featuring young characters. It doesn't ever feel too young, though it is definitely a Middle Grade book, and the adult characters were believable in the way they treated the kids. I'm definitely glad I picked this one up before the expected sequel comes out this fall!
The characters were wonderful, and the members of Anna's family all felt like family. They bicker and argue, and still have each other's back. I loved the depiction of family here. The Ballinkay family—for all that they have magic—feel very realistic. I also greatly appreciated the way they accepted Colin into their midst so easily. He needed the acceptance after losing his parents.
The house and atmosphere are also great—both almost characters in their own right. (Okay, the house really is a character. And it's wonderful!) I wish I had stuck to my plan of reading this in the fall leading up to Halloween; since it's set at Samhain, that would be the perfect time to read this book. I ended up reading it in the winter, though, and the darker, colder days still resonated well with the book's atmosphere.
I'd really recommend this book to anyone looking for an atmospheric, slightly spooky book featuring young characters. It doesn't ever feel too young, though it is definitely a Middle Grade book, and the adult characters were believable in the way they treated the kids. I'm definitely glad I picked this one up before the expected sequel comes out this fall!
December 29, 2023
If you take the special powers and the magic house of Encanto, the hunters and brotherly bond of Supernatural, and the overall vibes from Netflix's Wednesday, mix it all together and throw in a dash of whimsy of Studio Ghibli, then you have the delightfully spooky middle grade novel that is Ravenfall.
This book follows both Anna, the youngest in a family of psychics who run the Ravenfall Inn, and Colin, who arrives in hopes of finding his older brother. Both struggle with a multitude of things, including a great evil that is threatening the town and the world at large, but each of our protagonists, at their core, struggle greatly with loneliness. The ending hits one right in the feels and there are so many poignant lessons and reminders about friendship, family, and belonging.
There is a clear reason this book was a B&N book of the month, and I recommend it to fans of stories that are both spooky and whimsical. I look forward to reading more from the series and the author!
This book follows both Anna, the youngest in a family of psychics who run the Ravenfall Inn, and Colin, who arrives in hopes of finding his older brother. Both struggle with a multitude of things, including a great evil that is threatening the town and the world at large, but each of our protagonists, at their core, struggle greatly with loneliness. The ending hits one right in the feels and there are so many poignant lessons and reminders about friendship, family, and belonging.
There is a clear reason this book was a B&N book of the month, and I recommend it to fans of stories that are both spooky and whimsical. I look forward to reading more from the series and the author!
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